February is American Heart Month. Should you have any concerns about your health, particularly your heart, it is crucial that you talk about it. Your well-being may depend on how clear the lines of communication are between you and your doctor. If you have symptoms, even if they are vague and you think they may not be serious, make an appointment to see your primary care physician.
Fort Sanders Sevier offers these tips to make sure you understand each other:
Before your visit, jot down any health symptoms, questions or concerns you have. Bring along this list to ask.
Once you’re there, make a note of anything the doctor says you should do. Make sure you understand any medications or special instructions your doctor has given you, including when you need to have follow-up tests.
Don’t be bashful about talking openly with your physician about your health habits, good and bad, your lifestyle and any concerns. Tell your doctor about any personal or family history of heart disease. Ask about your personal risks.
Ask questions: If your doctor tells you something that you don’t understand—about your diagnosis, prescription, or whatever—ask about it.
Ask about tests: Ask your doctor to conduct a thorough assessment of your heart, including determining your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride and glucose levels. Get a copy of these results as well as your weight and blood pressure, and formulate a plan with your doctor to reach your goals. If you have one or more risk factors, ask if you should have an ECG or exercise stress test or other test.
Be assertive and make sure that your concerns are heard. If you feel that your primary care physician or other doctor is not taking your symptoms seriously, tell him or her to please listen to what you are saying. Ask to be referred to a cardiologist if your symptoms do not improve or if you are worried and want a second opinion
If you’ve had a heart attack:
Ask your doctor about the role of aspirin, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors in preventing second heart attacks.
Ask your doctor to refer you to a cardiac rehabilitation program.
If you smoke, you need to stop. Ask your doctor about nicotine-withdrawal medications and programs, and find a smoking cessation support group.
Get other risk factors for heart disease – such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and weight – under control.
Take more responsibility for your health care. Ask your healthcare providers questions. If you don’t understand the answer, don’t be afraid to ask again. Getting to the “heart” of the matter may help more than you know.

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